Bolting Seats down - restoration project

**JeepinGirlinFl** · 06-14-2003, 07:50 AM

Hello Jeepers...
I have finally begun to restore my 87 YJ. My first goal is to remove the rust from inside (the outside is 95% rust-free). I'm removing my old seat brackets/sliders b/c they are full of rust. On the passenger side, 3 of 4 bolts and floor threads are ok. BUT the 4th bolt hole is horrible. It seems as thou my friend yanked the old seat bracket to get the rusty bolt out and it pulled the threaded floorboard with it. I was thinking about patchin that area of the floorboard and then using a large piece of aluminum (por 15 it) and place it under my jeep – acting like a large washer for extra support.

My driver’s side looks ok for 3 of the 4 bolting areas. The 4th is a 2in x 2in hole created by rust. I was going to use the same logic to fix it as I did for the passenger side.

Anyone have any other suggestions? Thanks again for the help!

NJJeeper · 06-14-2003, 09:03 AM

You need to proceed with caution here. I have seen an accident where a woman's seat in her jeep came out. She had her seatbelt on but it didn't help. In a wrangler the only protection you have is that rollbar and if you don't stay seated it won't help. Somebody on here had this same problem. I believe they cut out all of the rust and had a welder weld in something for replacement, but I'm not sure. Maybe he will post to this thread. If not, do a search and see if you can find it. Just take a good look at everything and see how bad the rust is.

**JeepinGirlinFl** · 06-14-2003, 09:47 AM

Honestly the rust isnt the real problem. The problem is I have 4 bolts to put in, but only have 3 holes. The 4th hole on both the driver and passenger side has been either eaten by rust or torn out with the bolt.

lostboy · 06-14-2003, 11:52 AM

For safetys sake,get a large plate and a
have it welded under where the hole is,then have a bolt welded to to the plate.If you use an aluminum plate,you could still have corrosion due to the differences in the metal even if it's painted.
Better yet, use a 3/16" flat plate and extend it to reach between the adjacent hole also. That way, you'll spread the load better.
Either way,you'll have to seal the edges so dirt and moisture can't get in there and cause more problems.

**JeepinGirlinFl** · 06-14-2003, 02:15 PM

thanks!

06-14-2003, 09:03 AM	#2
NJJeeper Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Guess Posts: 194 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	You need to proceed with caution here. I have seen an accident where a woman's seat in her jeep came out. She had her seatbelt on but it didn't help. In a wrangler the only protection you have is that rollbar and if you don't stay seated it won't help. Somebody on here had this same problem. I believe they cut out all of the rust and had a welder weld in something for replacement, but I'm not sure. Maybe he will post to this thread. If not, do a search and see if you can find it. Just take a good look at everything and see how bad the rust is. __________________ '88 YJ only a few months old and stock, Big Fat Wish List though Just painted a candy red Red Jeep Club Member #9

06-14-2003, 09:47 AM	#3
JeepinGirlinFl Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 247 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Honestly the rust isnt the real problem. The problem is I have 4 bolts to put in, but only have 3 holes. The 4th hole on both the driver and passenger side has been either eaten by rust or torn out with the bolt. __________________ 87 Wrangler 4.2L I6 2.5 Skyjacker Lift, chrome grill, steel step bumperettes, new bestop trailmax front seats, K&N, Por15'd frame, Por15'd cab with por15 topcoat....whatever is nasty is being removed and restored!

06-14-2003, 11:52 AM	#4
lostboy Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: NY Posts: 533 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	For safetys sake,get a large plate and a have it welded under where the hole is,then have a bolt welded to to the plate.If you use an aluminum plate,you could still have corrosion due to the differences in the metal even if it's painted. Better yet, use a 3/16" flat plate and extend it to reach between the adjacent hole also. That way, you'll spread the load better. Either way,you'll have to seal the edges so dirt and moisture can't get in there and cause more problems. __________________ 89 yj w/ mopar mpi and 4.0 head.94 ax-15 tranny and t-case, more mods comin.

06-14-2003, 02:15 PM	#5
JeepinGirlinFl Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 247 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	thanks! __________________ 87 Wrangler 4.2L I6 2.5 Skyjacker Lift, chrome grill, steel step bumperettes, new bestop trailmax front seats, K&N, Por15'd frame, Por15'd cab with por15 topcoat....whatever is nasty is being removed and restored!